Double Delight for VOC Port at the ET Infra Global Ports & Shipping Awards 2026
Tuticorin:
Port Wings News Network:
V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has earned two major honours “Green Port of the Year” and “Smart Port & Digital Transformation Project of the Year” at the 4th Edition of the ET Infra Global Ports & Shipping Awards 2026, held on 10 September 2026 in Mumbai.
The distinguished honours were received by Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, recognising the Port’s growing stature in green transformation, digital innovation and future-ready port development.
The event was graced by Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, along with senior Ministers and dignitaries from Government and industry. The Summit brought together policymakers, port leaders and senior representatives from the shipping, logistics, infrastructure and maritime technology sectors.
The twin honours recognise two defining dimensions of VOC Port’s transformation, its transition towards cleaner and more sustainable maritime operations, and the growing integration of digital technologies, artificial intelligence and automation across port management.
The Green Port of the Year award recognises VOC Port’s sustained transition towards cleaner energy and lower-carbon operations. VOC Port has been certified by Bureau Veritas as India’s first Scope-2 Emission-Free Major Port, with renewable energy offsetting nearly 94 per cent of the Port’s energy-consumption equivalent, along with an approximately 45 per cent reduction in net carbon emissions. The Port has also pioneered India’s first green hydrogen pilot project at a Major Port, is advancing a 1,500 m³ Green Methanol bunkering facility, and is a member of the Global Maritime Forum’s Getting to Zero Coalition, strengthening its efforts towards cleaner marine fuels and low-carbon shipping.
The Smart Port & Digital Transformation Project of the Year award recognises VOC Port’s technology-led transformation. The Port has introduced PortGPT, an enterprise-grade Generative AI platform supporting rapid access to operational information, knowledge management and data-informed decision-making. VOC Port has also become the first Indian port to implement a comprehensive Digital Twin platform for port management, integrating LiDAR mapping, drone analytics and operational data to provide real-time visibility of infrastructure, assets and maritime operations.
Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, also participated in panel discussions on “Future-Ready Ports & Container Terminal Excellence: Building World-Class Cargo Gateways for Global Trade” and “Smart Ports, Dredging, Digital Infrastructure & Integrated Maritime Logistics: Driving AI, Automation, Intelligent Connectivity & Next-Generation Port Infrastructure.”
Speaking on the occasion, Susanta Kumar Purohit said “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India’s maritime sector is being transformed with a clear emphasis on sustainability, technology, efficiency and global competitiveness. Under the guidance of Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal ji, this vision is translating into tangible change across India’s ports and maritime ecosystem. At VOC Port, we are steadily advancing this transformation through clean energy, digital innovation, modern infrastructure and stronger operational systems. These recognitions affirm the direction we have chosen and reinforce our commitment to building a greener, smarter and globally competitive port that contributes meaningfully to India’s maritime ambitions. The progress we have achieved reflects the collective contribution of our officers, employees, port users, trade partners and stakeholders.”
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